By Jasmine Proctor (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: January 16, 2013
As the temperature drops and we find ourselves starting yet another semester, it is time to face the sad reality: the holidays are officially over. Winter’s looks for the season have come to a close, and as we put away our New Year’s dresses and pull on our warm cardigans, we may want to look at what’s coming next. Although we may still be in the midst of winter, it is never too early to try out an approaching style, especially if it is simplistic and versatile.
When referring to simplistic and versatile, one key trend sticks out amongst them. Gracing the runways of designers like Marc Jacobs, Louis Vitton, Chanel and Alexander Wang, a new twist on the classic combination of black and white seems likely to become spring’s hottest style.
Stealing a very retro ‘60s mod vibe with bold stripes and checkered print, spring’s looks of black and white were seen all over the catwalks at the spring and summer 2013 fashion week. The key element that made this timeless look so fresh was how designers took a new approach by dramatically colour-blocking the two shades together, incorporating the combination into everything from dresses to pant suits.
While some designers sported the style in only a few pieces of their shows, others’ whole collections were dedicated to this simplistic design. Marc Jacob’s collection displayed one of my favourite pieces from all the shows: a simple but structured mini dress with large, vertical black and white stripes. It is so fresh and minimalistic, yet it still retains an almost doll-like quality to it, making it ideal for this coming spring.
As runway designs normally set the stage for what styles will be seen in many retail stores, it is to be expected that this look will soon be coming to the shops we know and love. Already, stores like Forever 21 have jumped on the black and white bandwagon, displaying an affordable selection of moto jackets, button-down blouses, sleek skinnies and woven sweaters, all colour-blocked to perfection. Easy to pair together, the store’s array of choices make it effortless to re-create the runway looks in a more wearable way. Worn alone or together, their colour-blocked collection fully embraces the trend, integrating its pieces you can wear pretty much every day. Looking through their selection, I fell in love with the colour-blocked peplum jacket because it goes so well when combined with either a pair of black or even faux-leather skinny jeans. For those only looking for a taste of this trend, their cute black and white cross-body flap bag would be perfect, as it adds a touch of this style to any outfit.
Of all the trends this season, the black and white style is the easiest to wear for everyday and even just adding a hint of it to any outfit can instantly make you on-trend for this coming spring season. The fact is you may even already have some of the pieces you need, just waiting in your wardrobe. Try a tailored white blazer over a simple black tee (or vice versa), or a black maxi skirt with a fitted white long-sleeved shirt. To finish off the look, try adding a piece of chunky or large gold-coloured jewelry, such as a necklace or a cuff bracelet. Doing this will not only add a chic edge to your look, but it will also make your outfit even more sophisticated and ready for spring.
